C Sowle Reservoir #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

C Sowle Reservoir #2, located in Richland, Montana, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1960 for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

The reservoir has a height of 20 feet, a length of 175 feet, and a storage capacity of 121 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-OTIS CREEK, this low hazard potential reservoir serves the community of NOHLY and covers a drainage area of 0.28 square miles.

Managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), C Sowle Reservoir #2 is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state government. With a maximum discharge capacity of 300 cubic feet per second and a spillway width of 30 feet, the reservoir is designed to effectively manage water levels and mitigate potential risks. Despite being in good condition and not yet rated for its assessment, the reservoir's emergency action plan (EAP) and risk management measures are currently under development, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding area in case of emergencies.

Located in Congressional District 00, Montana, C Sowle Reservoir #2 is a vital water resource for the region, contributing to fire protection, livestock watering, and recreational fishing opportunities. With its strategic location and functional design, the reservoir plays a crucial role in water management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

175

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-OTIS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

0.28

Nid Storage

121

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.